HUNTINGTON -- Tom McComas accomplished his dream to become Cabell County sheriff Tuesday with help from nearly 20,000 voters, according to unofficial vote tallies Tuesday night.

The retired deputy sheriff defeated his former boss and Republican opponent, current Chief Deputy Jim Scheidler. The loss will send Scheidler into retirement at year's end.

McComas celebrated Tuesday's victory with family and friends at the Cabell County Courthouse.

"I'm very excited," he said. "I'm just so thankful to the voters here in Cabell County for entrusting me with the greatest job in the world: that's protecting them and their families, as well as their tax dollars. I'm humbled by their faith and trust in me."

McComas led throughout the night. The final tally showed the Democrat winning 59.8 percent of the vote. McComas garnered 19,784 votes to Scheidler's 13,285.

Scheidler, who considered himself to be the underdog going into Tuesday night, was gracious in defeat. He watched the returns come in with family and friends and said he believed he lost to a worthy candidate in a Democratic year. He believed heavy support from the opposing party and a large difference in fundraising contributed to his defeat.

Scheidler also confirmed his plans to retire in December, ending about 33 years in law enforcement.

"We gave it our best shot, and I want to thank all of those who worked with me and for me. I know Tommy will do a fine job," he said. "I don't feel bad and regret nothing. Under the circumstances, I'm pleased with what we did in the campaign. It was clean on both sides."

McComas promised an outgoing personality with foresight to move the department forward. Scheidler campaigned as a proven leader with experience to manage the office and continue its progress in battling the drug trade.

McComas inherits law enforcement responsibilities in a county faced with increasing crime and drug abuse and a stagnant county budget in which revenues struggle to keep pace with increased costs.

McComas campaigned on a promise to reorganize the Sheriff's Office. The strategy calls for switching from eight -to 10-hour shifts. He also plans to evaluate participation in three federal task forces and ask the County Commission for more money.

The Democrat has said he wants to battle the drug trade by enabling Marshall University's forensic laboratory. It would examine confiscated drugs and avoid the state's overworked lab in Kanawha County. He believes the local effort would provide quicker results and strengthen criminal prosecution, especially in misdemeanor drug cases.

McComas also wants to place a full-service tax collection location at the Sheriff's Ona Field Office. It would collect payments and distribute official receipts for use in obtaining a license for one's vehicle. McComas also wants Tax Division staffers to collect taxes at local senior citizen centers.

McComas said his first order of business would be to relax and take down his signs. Next, he looks forward to the transition.

"During the whole campaign season, I've tried to let the people know what I want to do," he said. "I want to make good on the promises that I made to a lot of people all over the county. That's that the Sheriff's Department is going to provide them better service and be a more user-friendly department."

McComas will benefit from the recent infusion of almost $702,000. The federal grant funds are aimed at modernizing the Sheriff's Office and three municipal police departments in the county. The money will purchase laptop computers, digital radios and other equipment.

Jeremy McKnight/For The Herald-Dispatch

Tom Mccomas, candidate for sheriff, waits for the results of his race at the Cabell County Court House on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

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